C08G2261/00—Macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions forming a carbon-to-carbon link in the main chain of the macromolecule

C08G2261/10—Definition of the polymer structure

C08G2261/14—Side-groups

C08G2261/143—Side-chains containing nitrogen

C08G2261/1432—Side-chains containing nitrogen containing amide groups

Abstract

Compounds are synthesized that contain nitrogen and hindered phenol functionalities of an aromatic amine and hindered phenol for use as oxidative stabilizers for organic materials, paints, lubricants, elastomers, and in other applications. The disclosed methods can efficiently synthesize target monomers and polymers without the use of expensive catalysts. Further, the disclosed methods can scale up to industrially useful quantities. In general, the methods provide an improved, highly efficient and economical process for the synthesis of macromonomers having nitrogen containing moiety and sterically hindered phenols and their corresponding polymers.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/633,196, filed on Dec. 3, 2004. The entire teachings of the above application(s) are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sterically hindered 3-hydroxyphenyl propionic acid esters and certain amide derivatives are known to be effective antioxidants for a wide range of organic substrates, particularly lubricants and polymers, protecting them from oxidative and thermal degradation. In general, these are prepared by the transesterification of corresponding carboxylic acid derivatives with various alcohols and amines. Various catalysts for this reaction are known, e.g. acids, bases, amines, metal alkoxides and also organotin compounds. It is economically advantageous if the reaction is carried out in the melt state without using any catalyst, or using a less expensive or improved catalyst. Moreover, it is desirable to have a reaction process in which subsequent steps for separating the desired product from the reaction mixture is not required. In some cases the formation of discolored or stained products resulting from the presence of catalyst residues reaction is extremely undesirable. Certain end product properties, such as stability, or low toxicity, are some times negatively influenced if the trace levels of catalysts are in the final product. Therefore, an alternative process without involving the use of catalysts or using improved catalysts is desirable. In our earlier patent applications, 60/370,468, Ser. Nos. 10/408,679, 10/761,933, PCT/US03/10782, PCT/US2005/001946, 60/590,575, 60/590,646, Ser. No. 11/184,724, PCT/US2005/025646, Ser. No. 11/184,716 and PCT/US2005/025513 the synthesis of poly (sterically hindered phenol) antioxidants was demonstrated from substituted phenols. These macromonomer and polymeric antioxidants showed significantly improved antioxidant activities in cooking oils, plastics, lubricants and other industrial applications compared to currently used (monomeric) antioxidants. However, the synthesis of monomers for these polymers is tedious and requires expensive catalysts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the synthesis of compounds containing nitrogen and hindered phenol functionalities of an aromatic amine and hindered phenol for use as oxidative stabilizers for organic materials, paints, lubricants, elastomers, and in other applications.

Disclosed is a catalyst-free method of preparing a macromonomer represented by Structural Formula I. The method comprises combining sterically hindered phenol IA and aminophenol IB; The method further comprises the step of heating to reflux the combination of sterically hindered phenol IA and aminophenol IB to create a macromonomer represented by Structural Formula I.

Each of R and R1-R8 are independently —H, —OH, or a C1-C10 alkyl group. n is an integer from 0 to 24. R′ is —H, optionally substituted C1-C20 alkyl or optionally substituted aryl group.

In another embodiment, the present invention is a method for synthesizing an antioxidant polymer represented by Structural Formula IV. The method comprises acetylating a hydroxyl group of a compound represented by Structural Formula IA to create an acetlylated phenol represented by Structural Formula II; combining the acetlylated phenol represented by Structural Formula II and amino phenol represented by Structural Formula IB; heating to reflux the combination acetylated phenol II and aminophenol IB to create a macromonomer represented by Structural Formula III; and polymerizing the macromonomer represented by Structural Formula III using an oxidative polymerization catalyst followed by acidic deacetylation to form the antioxidant polymer represented by Structural Formula IV:

Each of R, and R1-R8 are independently —H, —OH, or a C1-C10 alkyl group. n is an integer from 0 to 24. m is an integer equal to 2 or greater. R′ is —H, optionally substituted C1-C20 alkyl or optionally substituted aryl group.

In another embodiment, the present invention is a method of preparing a macromonomer represented by Structural Formula I using a catalyst selected from boric acid, meta boric acid, para-toluene, sulfonic acid, anhydrous sodium acetate, lithium acetate or lithium amide.

The disclosed catalysts are inexpensive, increase the rate of reaction and give a higher yield and better product color as compared to the currently used catalysts. The disclosed methods can efficiently synthesize the target monomers and polymers without the use of expensive catalysts. Further, these methods can scale up to industrially useful quantities. In general, the present invention pertains to an improved, highly efficient and economical process for the synthesis of macromonomers having nitrogen containing moiety and sterically hindered phenols and their corresponding polymers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A description of preferred embodiments of the invention follows.

The present invention relates to the synthesis of compounds containing nitrogen and hindered phenol functionalities of an aromatic amine and hindered phenol that could act as an oxidative stabilizer for organic materials, paints, lubricants, elastomers, and in other applications. In particular, the present invention pertains to an improved, highly efficient and economical process for the synthesis of macromonomers having nitrogen containing moiety and sterically hindered phenols and their corresponding polymers.

The present invention is generally directed to methods of synthesizing monomers for (sterically hindered phenol) antioxidant polymers. Such antioxidants can be employed to inhibit the oxidation of an oxidizable material, for example by contacting the material with an antioxidant polymer made by the methods of the present invention.

Sterically hindered, as used herein means that the substituent group (e.g., bulky alkyl group) on a ring carbon atom adjacent (or para) to a ring carbon atom substituted with a hydroxy group (or thiol or amine group), is large enough to sterically hinder the hydroxy group (or thiol or amine groups). This steric hindrance, in certain embodiments results in more labile or weak bonding between the oxygen and the hydrogen (or sulfur or nitrogen and hydrogen) and in turn enhances the stability and antioxidant activity (proton donating activity) of the sterically hindered antioxidant.

Such antioxidant polymers can be employed to inhibit the oxidation of an oxidizable material, for example by contacting the material with an antioxidant polymer made by the methods of the present invention.

For purposes of the present invention, a method of “inhibiting oxidation” is a method that inhibits the propagation of a free radical-mediated process. Free radicals can be generated by heat, light, ionizing radiation, metal ions and some proteins and enzymes. Inhibiting oxidation also includes inhibiting reactions caused by the presence of oxygen, ozone or another compound capable of generating these gases or reactive equivalents of these gases.

As used herein the term “oxidizable material” is any material which is subject to oxidation by free-radicals or oxidative reaction caused by the presence of oxygen, ozone or another compound capable of generating these gases or reactive equivalents thereof. In particular the oxidizable material is a lubricant or a mixture of lubricants.

Repeat units of the antioxidant polymers of the invention include substituted benzene molecules. These benzene molecules are typically based on phenol or a phenol derivative, such that they have at least one hydroxyl or ether functional group. Preferably, the benzene molecules have a hydroxyl group. The hydroxyl group can be a free hydroxyl group and can be protected or have a cleavable group attached to it (e.g., an ester group). Such cleavable groups can be released under certain conditions (e.g., changes in pH), with a desired shelf life or with a time-controlled release (e.g., measured by the half-life), which allows one to control where and/or when an antioxidant polymer can exert its antioxidant effect. The repeat units can also include analogous thiophenol and aniline derivatives, e.g., where the phenol —OH can be replaced by —SH, —NH—, and the like.

Substituted benzene repeat units of an antioxidant polymer of the invention are also typically substituted with a bulky alkyl group or an n-alkoxycarbonyl group. Preferably, the benzene monomers are substituted with a bulky alkyl group. More preferably, the bulky alkyl group is located ortho or meta to a hydroxyl group on the benzene ring, typically ortho. A “bulky alkyl group” is defined herein as an alkyl group that is branched alpha-or beta-to the benzene ring. Preferably, the alkyl group is branched alpha to the benzene ring. More preferably, the alkyl group is branched twice alpha to the benzene ring, such as in a tert-butyl group. Other examples of bulky alkyl groups include isopropyl, 2-butyl, 3-pentyl, 1,1-dimethylpropyl, 1-ethyl-1-methylpropyl and 1,1-diethylpropyl. The bulky alkyl groups are preferably unsubstituted, but they can be substituted with a functional group that does not interfere with the antioxidant activity of the molecule or the polymer. Straight chained alkoxylcarbonyl groups include methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, n-propoxycarbonyl, n-butoxycarbonyl and n-pentoxycarbonyl. n-propoxycarbonyl is a preferred group. Similar to the bulky alkyl groups, n-alkoxycarbonyl groups are optionally substituted with a functional group that does not interfere with the antioxidant activity of the molecule or the polymer.

In one embodiment the present invention is a catalyst-free method of preparing a macromonomer represented by Structural Formula I′ (or I). The method comprises a step of mixing sterically hindered monomer IA′ (or IA) and aminophenol IB′ (or IB) in a suitable solvent and heating the reaction mixture to reflux as shown in Scheme 1.

The method comprises a step of mixing sterically hindered monomer IA′ (or IA) and aminophenol IB′ (or IB) in a suitable solvent and heating the reaction mixture and optionally refluxing as shown in Scheme I.

The reaction mixture is heated to between 30 and 150° C., between 50 and 120° C., between 80 and 110° C.,

The one-pot process for the synthesis of macromonomer I′ (or I) does not require any catalyst and can simply made by mixing the two components in a suitable solvent and heating the reaction mixture optionally to reflux as shown in Scheme 1.

As used herein a one pot process can involve one or more steps, however, the products of each step do not have to be isolated or purified between steps and all of the steps can take place on one container.

The one pot synthetic process involves the mixing of sterically hindered phenolic acid derivatives, preferably 3-(3,5-di-tertbutyl, 4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid, 3,5-di-tertbutyl, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid or their lower alkyl esters with substituted amino phenols most preferably 4-amino phenol in a suitable solvent. The solvent used in the this process may be one or mixture solvents. The prefered solvent for the process is a mixture of toluene and N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) in a prefered ratio of 10:1. The prefered method of this disclosure is the mixing of equimoles of 3-(3,5-di-tertbutyl, 4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid and 4-amino phenol in a 10:1 mixture of toluene and NMP and optionally refluxing the reaction mixture at 100° C. using a Dean's Stark apparatus to remove the water that is produced in the reaction. The process is very simple and highly efficient, economical and do not require any catalyst.

In certain embodiments, the methods of the present invention for the synthesis of polymer of Structure IV′ (or (IV)) is a four step process. In the first step sterically hindered phenolic acid derivatives, prefebly 3-(3,5-di-tertbutyl, 4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid, 3,5-di-tertbutyl, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid or their lower alkyl esters are acetylated to their phenolic acetates of Structure II′ (or (II)), with acetic anhydride by acid catalysis. In the second step the phenolic acetate II′ (or (II)) is reacted with an amino phenol (for example, refluxing in a 10:1 mixture of toluene and NMP) to give an acetylated macromonomer of Structure III′ (or (III)). The third step is polymerization (using biocatalysts horse radish peroxidase, or biomimetic catalysts such as Hematin, inorganic catalysts such as Fe-salen, or other catalysts) of the macromonomer to produce a polymer, The fourth step is deacetylation of to produce the polymer represented by Structural Formula IV′ (or (IV)).

The variables and preferred variables are as described above for Scheme 1.

In certain embodiments, in the first step the sterically hindered phenol acid is acetylated to give a phenolic acetate. The reaction comprises reacting the sterically hindered phenolic acid with an acetic anhydride under acid conditions. As used herein under acidic conditions means that the reaction is carried out in the presence of an acid or an acid catalyst, for example, concentrated sulfuric acid and p-tolunene sulfonic acid.

In certain embodiments, the acetylation reaction is performed at room temperature (between 20 and 28° C.). In certain embodiments the sterically hindered phenol acid is dissolved in acetic anhydride and a small amount of catalyst is added. In certain embodiment, the reaction is carried out between 1 and 24 hrs, between 2 and 12 hours between 6 and 8 hrs. In certain embodiments the reaction is monitored by thin-layer chromatography.

In certain embodiments the second step comprises reacting the phenolic acetate with an amino phenol to give the macromonomer represented by III′ (or (III)). The reaction is carried out optionally under reflux conditions. The reaction mixture of phenolic acetate with an amino phenol is heated to between 30 and 150° C., between 50 and 120° C., between 80 and 110° C.,

The one-pot process for the synthesis of macromonomer III′ (or (III) does not require any catalyst and can simply made by mixing the two components in a suitable solvent and heating the reaction mixture to reflux as shown in Scheme 1 and Scheme 2.

The one pot synthetic process involves the mixing of sterically hindered phenolic acetate derivatives with substituted amino phenols most preferably 4-amino phenol in a suitable solvent. The solvent used in this process may be one or a mixture of solvents. The prefered solvent for the process is a mixture of toluene and N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) in a prefered ratio of 10:1. The prefered method of this disclosure is the mixing of equimoles of 3-(3,5-di-tertbutyl, 4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid and 4-amino phenol in a 10:1 mixture of toluene and NMP and typically refluxing the reaction mixture at 100° C. using a Dean's Stark apparatus to remove the water that is produced in the reaction. The process is very simple and highly efficient, economical and do not require any catalyst. In certain embodiment the solvents used can be, for example, xylene, dichlorobenzene, or a combination thereof.

In another embodiment, the third step is a method for polymerizing an acetylated macromonomer represented by Structural Formula III′ (or (III)). In certain embodiments the method of polymerization comprises using an oxidative polymerization catalyst.

In certain embodiment an oxidative polymerization catalyst along with an oxidant, e.g., hydrogen peroxide or organic peroxide is used to polymerize the monomers made by the methods of the present invention. As used herein the oxidant serves as a substrate for the catalyst. The oxidative polymerization catalyst and oxidant combined facilitate the oxidation of the monomer to form a polymer.

An oxidative polymerization catalyst is added along with an oxidant, e.g., hydrogen peroxide or organic peroxide to convert the monomer to a polymer.

As used herein the oxidant serves as a substrate for the catalyst. The oxidative polymerization catalyst and oxidant combined facilitate the oxidation of the monomer to form a polymer.

Polymerization of the monomers can be catalyzed by a natural or synthetic enzyme or an enzyme mimetic capable of polymerizing a substituted benzene compound in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, where the enzyme or enzyme mimetic typically have a heme or related group at the active site. One general class of enzymes capable of catalyzing this reaction can be commonly referred to as the peroxidases. Horseradish peroxidase, soybean peroxidase, Coprinus cinereus peroxidase, and Arthromyces ramosus peroxidase are readily available peroxidases. Other enzymes capable of catalyzing the reaction include laccase, tyrosinase, and lipases. Suitable enzymes are able to catalyze the formation of a carbon-carbon bond and/or a carbon-oxygen-carbon bond between two aryl (e.g., phenyl, phenol) groups when a peroxide (e.g., hydrogen peroxide or an organic peroxide) can be present. A subunit or other portion of a peroxidase can be acceptable, provided that the active site of the enzyme can be still functional. Enzyme mimetics typically correspond to a part of an enzyme, so that they can carry out the same reaction as the parent enzyme but are generally smaller than the parent enzyme. Also, enzyme mimetics can be designed to be more robust than the parent enzyme, such as to be functional under a wider variety of conditions (e.g., different pH range, aqueous, partially aqueous and non-aqueous solvents) and less subject to degradation or inactivation. Suitable enzyme mimetics include hematin, tyrosinase-model complexes and iron-salen complexes. Hematin, in particular, can be functionalized to allow it to be soluble under a wider variety of conditions is disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 09/994,998, filed Nov. 27, 2001, the entire teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Polymerizations of the present invention can be carried out under a wide variety of conditions. The pH can be often between about pH 1.0 and about pH 12.0, typically between about pH 6.0 and about pH 11.0. The temperature can be above about 0° C., such as between about 0° C. and about 100° C., 0° C. and about 45° C. or between about 15° C. and about 30° C. (e.g., room temperature). The solvent can be aqueous (preferably buffered), organic, or a combination thereof. Organic solvents are typically polar solvents such as ethanol, methanol, isopropanol, dimethylformamide, dioxane, acetonitrile, and diethyl ether. The concentration of monomer or comonomers can be typically 0.001 M or greater. Also, the concentration of buffer can be typically 0.001 M or greater.

Polymerizations of the invention use a catalytic amount of one of the enzymes or enzyme mimetics described above, which can be between about one unit/mL and five units/mL, where one unit can form 1.0 mg purpurogallin from pyrogallol in 20 seconds at pH 6.0 at 20° C. Preferably, the enzyme or enzyme mimetic can be added to the solution after addition of the antioxidant monomer or comonomers. A peroxide can be then added incrementally to the reaction mixture, such as not to de-activate the enzyme or enzyme mimetic, until an amount approximately stoichiometric with the amount of antioxidant monomer or comonomers has been added.

Although the enzyme or enzyme mimetic can be responsible for formation of phenol-based free radicals needed for chain propagation, the coupling of radicals to form a polymer chain can be controlled by the phenoxy radical and solvent chemistries. Further details regarding the coupling of phenoxy radicals can be found in “Enzymatic catalysis in monophasic organic solvents,” Dordick, J. S., Enzyme Microb. Technol. 11:194-211 (1989), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Coupling between substituted benzene monomers typically occurs ortho and/or para to a hydroxyl group. Coupling rarely occurs meta to a hydroxyl group.

Polymerization preferably results in the formation of C—C bonds. Preferred polymers can contain at least about 95% C—C bonds, at least about 90% C—C bonds, at least about 80% C—C bonds, at least about 70% C—C bonds, at least about 60% C—C bonds or at least about 50% C—C bonds. Especially preferred polymers contain about 100% C—C bonds. The remaining bonds are typically C—O—C bonds.

In certain embodiments, the fourth step comprises deacetylation under acidic conditions to produce the polymer of Structure IV.

In one embodiment the present invention is a method of synthesizing a macromonomer represented by:

The method comprises mixing sterically hindered phenol IA and aminophenol IB in an organic solvent; or a mixture of organic solvents and heating the reaction mixture to reflux. Each of R and R1-R8 are independently —H, —OH, or a C1-C10 optionally substituted branched or straight chain alkyl group; and n is an integer from 0 to 24. In certain embodiments, at least one of R1-R6 is a tertiary butyl group. In certain other embodiments, R7 and R8 are tertiary butyl group. In certain other embodiments at least one of R7 and R8 is a methyl and the other is a tertiary butyl group. R′ is —H, optionally substituted C1-C20 alkyl or optionally substituted aryl group. In certain embodiments R′ is —H or a C1-C10 alkyl group. Preferably R′ is —H.

The reaction conditions are as described above for Scheme 1.

In another embodiment, the present invention is a method of synthesizing a macromonomer represented by Structural Formula I, comprising the steps of:

mixing sterically hindered phenol IA and aminophenol IB in an organic solvent; or a mixture of organic solvents and heating the reaction mixture to reflux in the presence of a catalyst.

In certain embodiments each of R and R1-R8 are independently —H, —OH, or a C1-C10 optionally substituted branched or straight chain alkyl group; and n is an integer from 0 to 24. In certain embodiments, at least one of R1-R6 is a tertiary butyl group. In certain other embodiments, R7 and R8 are tertiary butyl group. In certain other embodiments at least one of R7 and R8 is a methyl and the other is a tertiary butyl group. R′ is —H, optionally substituted C1-C20 alkyl or optionally substituted aryl group.

In certain embodiments, the disclosed catalysts are inexpensive, increase the rate of reaction and give a higher yield and better product color as compared to the currently used catalysts.

In certain embodiment, examples of suitable solvents include toluene, xylene, dichlorobenzene or a mixture of these solvents.

In certain embodiments the remainder of the reaction conditions are as described above for Scheme 1.

In another embodiment the present invention is a method of synthesizing a macromonomer represented by Structural Formula I, comprising the steps of:

mixing sterically hindered phenol IA and aminophenol derivative III C in an organic solvent; or a mixture of organic solvents and heating the reaction mixture to reflux in the presence of a catalyst.

In certain embodiments each of R and R1-R8 are independently —H, —OH, or a C1-C10 optionally substituted branched or straight chain alkyl group; and n is an integer from 0 to 24. In certain embodiments, at least one of R1-R6 is a tertiary butyl group. In certain other embodiments, R7 and R8 are tertiary butyl group. In certain other embodiments at least one of R7 and R8 is a methyl and the other is a tertiary butyl group.

In certain embodiment, examples of suitable solvents include toluene, xylene, dichlorobenzene or a mixture of these solvents.

In certain embodiments the remainder of the reaction conditions are as described above for Scheme 1.

In another embodiment the method of the present invention is represented by Scheme 6:

The reaction conditions are as described above for Scheme 2. The variables are as described above.

All the solvents used in the process can be recycled by separting the solvents from the reaction mixture using distillation. The compounds having Structures (I) are valuable antioxidants against oxidation, thermal degradation of organic compositions of matter. Such compositions are, for example, natural or synthetic polymers, functional liquids, such as lubricants, hydraulic fluids, paints and other finished products and goods.

In one embodiment the macromonomer is not:

Antioxidant polymers of the present invention have two or more repeat units, preferably greater than about five repeat units. The molecular weight of the polymers disclosed herein can be generally selected to be appropriate for the desired application. Typically, the molecular weight can be greater than about 500 atomic mass units (amu) and less than about 2,000,000 amu, greater than about 1000 amu and less than about 100,000, greater than about 2,000 amu and less than about 10,000, or greater than about 2,000 amu and less than about 5,000 amu. For food or edible products (e.g., products fit for human consumption), the molecular weight can be advantageously selected to be large enough so that an antioxidant polymer cannot be absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract, such as greater than 1000 amu. For antioxidant polymers blended with a polymeric material, the molecule weight can be advantageously selected such that the rate of diffusion of the antioxidant polymer through the polymeric material can be slow relative to the expected lifetime of the polymeric material.

Antioxidant polymers of the present invention can be either homopolymers or copolymers. A copolymer preferably contains two or more or three or more different repeating monomer units, each of which has varying or identical antioxidant properties. The identity of the repeat units in a copolymer can be chosen to modify the antioxidant properties of the polymer as a whole, thereby giving a polymer with tunable properties. The second, third and/or further repeat units in a copolymer can be either a synthetic or natural antioxidant.

Antioxidant polymers of the present invention are typically insoluble in aqueous media. The solubility of the antioxidant polymers in non-aqueous media (e.g., oils) depends upon the molecular weight of the polymer, such that high molecular weight polymers are typically sparingly soluble in non-aqueous media. When an antioxidant polymer of the invention can be insoluble in a particular medium or substrate, it can be preferably well-mixed with that medium or substrate.

Disclosed is a catalyst-free method of preparing a macromonomer represented by Structural Formula I. The method comprises a step of mixing sterically hindered monomer IA and aminophenol IB in a suitable solvent and heating the reaction mixture to reflux as shown in Scheme I.

In Scheme I, R and R1-R6 are independently —H, —OH, or a C1-C10 alkyl group. n is an integer from 0 to 24.

A method for polymerizing an acetylated version of the macromonomer represented by Structural Formula I includes acetylating the phenol —OH of Structural Formula IA in acidic acetic anhydride; refluxing with amino phenol represented by Structural Formula IB in solvent to form a macromonomer represented by Structural Formula III; polymerization using an oxidative polymerization biocatalyst or biomimetic catalyst followed by deacetylation to form the antioxidant polymer represented by Structural Formula IV. The variables are as defined above.

A simple process for the synthesis of N- and phenol-based antioxidant macromonomers and their corresponding polymers

The present invention relates to the synthesis of compounds containing nitrogen and hindered phenol functionalities of an aromatic amine and hindered phenol that could act as an oxidative stabilizer for organic materials, paints, lubricants elastomers, and in other applications. In particular, the present invention pertains to an improved, highly efficient and economical process for the synthesis of macromonomers having nitrogen containing moiety and sterically hindered phenols and their corresponding polymers.

Sterically hindered 3-hydroxyphenyl propionic acid esters and certain amide derivatives are known to be effective antioxidants for a wide range of organic substrates, particularly lubricants and polymers, protecting them from oxidative and thermal degradation. In general, these are prepared by the transesterification of corresponding carboxylic acid derivatives with various alcohols and amines. Various catalysts for this reaction are known, e.g. acids, bases, amines, metal alkoxides and also organotin compounds. It is economically advantageous if the reaction is carried out in the melt state without using any catalyst. Moreover, it is desirable to have a reaction process in which subsequent steps for separating the desired product from the reaction mixture is not required. In some cases the formation of discolored or stained products resulting from the presence of catalyst residues reaction is extremely undesirable. Certain end product properties, such as stability, or low toxicity, are some times negatively influenced if the trace levels of catalysts are in the final product. Therefore, an alternative process without involving the use of catalysts is desirable. In our earlier patent applications, 60/370,468, Ser. No. 10/408,679, and PCT/US03/10782, 60/590,575, 60/590,646 it was demonstrated the synthesis of poly (sterically hindered phenol) antioxidants from substituted phenols. These macromonomer and polymeric antioxidants showed significantly improved antioxidant activities in cooking oils, plastics, lubricants and other industrial applications compared to currently used (monomeric) antioxidants. The present invention is related to the synthesis of antioxidant macromonomers and their corresponding polymers without or minimal use of catalysts

The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a macromonomer of Structure I:

The novel one-step process for the synthesis of macromonomer I does not require any catalyst and can simply made by mixing the two component in a suitable solvent and heating the reaction mixture to reflux as shown in Scheme I.

The one pot synthetic process involves the mixing of sterically hindered phenolic acid derivatives, preferably 3-(3,5-di-tertbutyl, 4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid, 3,5-di-tertbutyl, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid or their lower alkyl esters with substituted amino phenols most preferably 4-amino phenol in a suitable solvent. The solvent used in the this process may be one or mixture solvents. The prefered solvent for the process is a mixture of toluene and N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) in a prefered ratio of 10:1. The prefered method of this disclosure is the mixing of equimoles of 3-(3,5-di-tertbutyl, 4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid and 4-amino phenol in a 10:1 mixture of toluene and NMP and refluxing the reaction mixture at 100° C. using a Dean's Stark appratus to remove the water that is produced in the reaction. The process is very simple and highly efficient, economical and do not require any catalyst.

Antioxidant polymers of the present invention can be branched or linear, but are preferably linear. Branched antioxidant polymers can only be formed from benzene molecules having three or fewer substituents (e.g., three or more hydrogen atoms).

Antioxidant polymers of the present invention can be present in a wide variety of compositions where free radical mediated oxidation leads to deterioration of the quality of the composition, including edible products such as oils, foods (e.g., meat products, dairy products, cereals, etc.), and other products containing fats or other compounds subject to oxidation. Antioxidant polymers can also be present in plastics and other polymers, elastomers (e.g., natural or synthetic rubber), petroleum products (e.g., fossil fuels such as gasoline, kerosene, diesel oil, heating oil, propane, jet fuel), lubricants, paints, pigments or other colored items, soaps and cosmetics (e.g., creams, lotions, hair products). The antioxidant polymers can be used to coat a metal as a rust and corrosion inhibitor. Antioxidant polymers additionally can protect antioxidant vitamins (Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E) and pharmaceutical products from degradation. In food products, the antioxidant polymers can prevent rancidity. In plastics, the antioxidant polymers can prevent the plastic from becoming brittle and cracking.

The shelf life of many materials and substances contained within the materials, such as packaging materials, are enhanced by the presence of an antioxidant polymer of the present invention. The addition of an antioxidant polymer to a packaging material is believed to provide additional protection to the product contained inside the package. In addition, the properties of many packaging materials themselves, particularly polymers, are enhanced by the presence of an antioxidant regardless of the application (i.e., not limited to use in packaging). Common examples of packaging materials include paper, cardboard and various plastics and polymers. A packaging material can be coated with an antioxidant polymer (e.g., by spraying the antioxidant polymer or by applying as a thin film coating), blended with or mixed with an antioxidant polymer (particularly for polymers), or otherwise have an antioxidant polymer present within it. In one example, a thermoplastic such as polyethylene, polypropylene or polystyrene can be melted in the presence of an antioxidant polymer in order to minimize its degradation during the polymer processing. An antioxidant polymer can also be co-extruded with a polymeric material.

The term “alkyl” as used herein means a saturated straight-chain, branched or cyclic hydrocarbon. When straight-chained or branched, an alkyl group is typically C1-C8, more typically C1-C6; when cyclic, an alkyl group is typically C3-C12, more typically C3-C7 alkyl ester. Examples of alkyl groups include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl and tert-butyl and 1,1-dimethylhexyl.

The term “alkoxy” as used herein is represented by —OR**, wherein R** is an alkyl group as defined above.

The term “carbonyl” as used herein is represented by —C(═O)R**, wherein R** is an alkyl group as defined above.

The term “alkoxycarbonyl” as used herein is represented by —C(═O)OR**, wherein R** is an alkyl group as defined above.

The term “aromatic group” includes carbocyclic aromatic rings and heteroaryl rings. The term “aromatic group” may be used interchangeably with the terms “aryl”; “aryl ring” “aromatic ring”, “aryl group” and “aromatic group”.

Carbocyclic aromatic ring groups have only carbon ring atoms (typically six to fourteen) and include monocyclic aromatic rings such as phenyl and fused polycyclic aromatic ring systems in which a carbocyclic aromatic ring is fused to one or more aromatic rings (carbocyclic aromatic or heteroaromatic)r. Examples include 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, 1 -anthracyl and 2-anthracyl. Also included within the scope of the term “carbocyclic aromatic ring”, as it is used herein, is a group in which an aromatic ring is fused to one or more non-aromatic rings (carbocyclic or heterocyclic), such as in an indanyl, phthalimidyl, naphthimidyl, phenanthridinyl, or tetrahydronaphthyl.

The term “heteroaryl”, “heteroaromatic”, “heteroaryl ring”, “heteroaryl group” and “heteroaromatic group”, used alone or as part of a larger moiety as in “heteroaralkyl” refers to heteroaromatic ring groups having five to fourteen members, including monocyclic heteroaromatic rings and polycyclic aromatic rings in which a monocyclic aromatic ring is fused to one or more other aromatic ring (carbocyclic or heterocyclic). Heteroaryl groups have one or more ring heteroatoms. Examples of heteroaryl groups include 2-furanyl, 3-furanyl, N-imidazolyl, 2-imidazolyl, 4-imidazolyl, 5-imidazolyl, 3-isoxazolyl, 4-isoxazolyl, 5-isoxazolyl, oxadiazolyl, oxadiazolyl, 2-oxazolyl, 4-oxazolyl, 5-oxazolyl, N-pyrazolyl, 3-pyrazolyl, 4-pyrazolyl, 5-pyrazolyl, N-pyrrolyl, 2-pyrrolyl, 3-pyrrolyl, 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl, 2-pyrimidinyl, 4-pyrimidinyl, 5-pyrimidinyl, 3-pyridazinyl, 4-pyridazinyl, 2-thiazolyl, 4-thiazolyl, 5-thiazolyl, triazolyl, tetrazolyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, carbazolyl, benzothienyl, benzofuranyl, indolyl, quinolinyl, benzothiazole, benzooxazole, benzimidazolyl, isoquinolinyl and isoindolyl. Also included within the scope of the term “heteroaryl”, as it is used herein, is a group in which an aromatic ring is fused to one or more non-aromatic rings (carbocyclic or heterocyclic).

The term non-aromatic heterocyclic group used alone or as part of a larger moiety refers to non-aromatic heterocyclic ring groups having three to fourteen members, including monocyclic heterocyclcic rings and polycyclic rings in which a monocyclic ring is fused to one or more other non-aromatic carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring or aromatic ring (carbocyclic or heterocyclic). Heterocyclic groups have one or more ring heteroatoms, and can be saturated or unsaturated. Examples of heterocyclic groups include piperidinyl, piperizinyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrazolidinyl, imidazolidinyl, tetrahydroquinolinyl, inodolinyl, isoindolinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, oxazolidinyl, thiazolidinyl, dioxolanyl, dithiolanyl, tetrahydropyranyl, dihydropyranyl, azepanyl aNd azetidinyl

The term “heteroatom” means nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur and includes any oxidized form of nitrogen and sulfur, and the quaternized form of any basic nitrogen. Also the term “nitrogen” includes a substitutable nitrogen of a heteroaryl or non-aromatic heterocyclic group. As an example, in a saturated or partially unsaturated ring having 0-3 heteroatoms selected from oxygen, sulfur or nitrogen, the nitrogen may be N (as in 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrrolyl), NH (as in pyrrolidinyl) or NR″ (as in N-substituted pyrrolidinyl), wherein R″ is a suitable substituent for the nitrogen atom in the ring of a non-aromatic nitrogen-containing heterocyclic group, as defined below.

As used herein the term non-aromatic carbocyclic ring as used alone or as part of a larger moiety refers to a non-aromatic carbon containing ring which can be saturated or unsaturated having three to fourteen atoms including monocyclic and polycyclic rings in which the carbocyclic ring can be fused to one or more non-aromatic carbocyclic or heterocyclic rings or one or more aromatic (carbocyclic or heterocyclic) rings

Further, examples of suitable substituents on an alkyl, aryl or acyl group may include, for example, halogen (—Br, —Cl, —I and —F), —ORa, —CN, —NO2, —N(Ra)2, —COORa, —CON(Ra)2, —SOkRa (k is 0, 1 or 2) and —NH—C(═NH)—NH2. An alkyl group can also have ═O or ═S as a substituent. Each Ra is independently —H, an alkyl group, a substituted alkyl group, a benzyl group, a substituted benzyl group, an aryl group or a substituted aryl group. A substituted benzylic group or aryl group can also have an alkyl or substituted alkyl group as a substituent. A substituted alkyl group can also have a benzyl, substituted benzyl, aryl or substituted aryl group as a substituent. A substituted alkyl, substituted aryl or substituted acyl group can have more than one substituent.

An optionally substituted alkyl group or non-aromatic carbocyclic or heterocyclic group as defined herein may contain one or more substituents. Examples of suitable substituents for an alkyl group include those listed above for a substitutable carbon of an aryl and the following: ═O, ═S, ═NNHR**, ═NN(R**)2, ═NNHC(O)R**, ═NNHCO2 (alkyl), ═NNHSO2 (alkyl), ═NR**, spiro cycloalkyl group or fused cycloalkyl group. R** in each occurrence, independently is —H or C1-C6 alkyl. Preferred substituents on alkyl groups are as defined throughout the specification. In certain embodiments optionally substituted alkyl groups are unsubstituted.

A “spiro cycloalkyl” group is a cycloalkyl group which shares one ring carbon atom with a carbon atom in an alkylene group or alkyl group, wherein the carbon atom being shared in the alkyl group is not a terminal carbon atom.

Without wishing to be bound by any theory or limited to any mechanism it is believed that macromolecular antioxidants and polymeric macromolecular antioxidants of the present invention exploit the differences in activities (ks, equilibrium constant) of, for example, homo-or hetero-type antioxidant moieties. Antioxidant moieties include, for example, hindered phenolic groups, unhindered phenolic groups, aminic groups and thioester groups, etc. of which there can be one or more present in each macromolecular antioxidant molecule. As used herein a homo-type antioxidant macromolecule comprises antioxidant moieties which are all same, for example, hindered phenolic, —OH groups. As used herein a hetero-type antioxidant macromolecule comprises at least one different type of moiety, for example, hindered phenolic and aminic groups in the one macromolecule.

This difference in activities can be the result of, for example, the substitutions on neighboring carbons or the local chemical or physical environment (for example, due to electrochemical or stereochemical factors) which can be due in part to the macromolecular nature of molecules.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a series of macromolecular antioxidant moieties of the present invention with different chemical structures can be represented by W1H, W2H, W3H, . . . to WnH. In one embodiment of the present invention, two types of antioxidant moieties of the present invention can be represented by: W1H and W2H. In certain embodiments W1H and W2H can have rate constants of k1 and k2 respectively. The reactions involving these moieties and peroxyl radicals can be represented as:

In one particular embodiment of the present invention k1>>k2 in equations (1) and (2). As a result, the reactions would take place in such a way that there is a decrease in concentration of W1. free radicals due their participation in the regeneration of active moiety W2H in the molecule according equation (5):
W1.+W2H→W1H+W2. (5) (transfer equilibrium)

This transfer mechanism may take place either in intra-or inter-molecular macromolecules. The transfer mechanism (5) could take place between moieties residing on the same macromolecule (intra-type) or residing on different macromolecules (inter-type).

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the antioxidant properties described immediately above (equation 5) of the macromolecular antioxidants and polymeric macromolecular antioxidants of the present invention result in advantages including, but not limited to:

a) Consumption of free radicals W1. according to equation (5) can result in a decrease of reactions of W1. with hydroperoxides and hydrocarbons (RH).

b) The regeneration of W1H provides extended protection of materials. This is a generous benefit to sacrificial type of antioxidants that are used today. Regeneration of W1H assists in combating the oxidation process The increase in the concentration of antioxidant moieties W1H (according to equation 5) extends the shelf life of materials.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the following items are of significant interest for enhanced antioxidant activity in the design of the macromolecular antioxidants and polymeric macromolecular antioxidants of the present invention:

a) The activity of proposed macromolecular antioxidant is dependent on the regeneration of W1H in equation (5) either through inter-or intra-molecular activities involving homo-or hetero-type antioxidant moieties.

b) Depending on the rates constants of W1H and W2H it is possible to achieve performance enhancements by many multiples and not just incremental improvements.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, more than two types of antioxidant moieties with different rate constants are used in the methods of the present invention.

The entire contents of each of the following are incorporated herein by reference.

3-(3,5-di-tertbutyl, 4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid (1.47 Kg) and 4-amino phenol (0.635 Kg) were dissolved in a 10:1 mixture of toluene and N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP, 5 L). The reaction mixture was refluxed at 100° C. using a Dean Stark apparatus equipped with a condenser. The water formed during reaction was removed by its azeotropic distillation with toluene. After completion, the solvent was removed by distillation and ice-cold water added and refluxed. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and product was isolated by filtration.

While this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims.

Claims (20)

1. A method of synthesizing a macromonomer represented by Structural Formula I, comprising the steps of:

a) combining sterically hindered phenol IA and aminophenol IB;

b) heating the combination of step a) to reflux to create a macromonomer represented by Structural Formula I;

wherein:

each of R1-R4 are independently —H or —OH;

each of R and R5-R8 are independently —H, —OH, or a C1-C10 alkyl group;

2. The method of claim 1, wherein one of R7 and R8 is a tertiary butyl group and the other is a methyl group.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein both R7 and R8 are tertiary butyl groups.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the combination of step a) is heated to between 30 and 150° C.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the combination of step a) is heated to between 80 and 110° C.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the sterically hindered phenol IA and aminophenol IB are combined in step a) in an organic solvent, wherein the organic solvent is a mixture of toluene and N-methylpyrrolidone.

c) heating the combination of step b) to reflux to create a macromonomer represented by Structural Formula III;

d) polymerizing the macromonomer represented by Structural Formula III using an oxidative polymerization followed by acidic deacetylation to form the antioxidant polymer represented by Structural Formula IV;

wherein:

each of R1-R4 are independently —H or —OH;

each of R and R5-R8 are independently —H, —OH, or a C1-C10 alkyl group;

11. The method of claim 7, wherein the oxidative polymerization catalyst is an inorganic or organometallic catalyst.

12. The method of claim 6, wherein the combination of step a) is heated to between 30 and 150° C.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the combination of step a) is heated to between 80 and 110° C.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the acetlylated phenol represented by Structural Formula II and amino phenol represented by Structural Formula IB are combined in step b) in an organic solvent wherein the organic solvent is a mixture of toluene and N-methylpyrrolidone.

15. A method of synthesizing a macromonomer represented by Structural Formula I, comprising the steps of:

a) combining sterically hindered phenol IA and aminophenol IB;

b) heating the combination of step a) to reflux in the presence of a catalyst selected from the group comprising boric acid, meta boric acid, para-toluene, sulfonic acid, anhydrous sodium acetate, lithium acetate and lithium amide to create a macromonomer represented by Structural Formula I;

wherein:

each of R1-R4 are independently —H or —OH;

each of R and R5-R8 are independently —H, —OH, or a C1-C10 alkyl group;

Notification of Transmittal of International Search Report and the Written Opinion of the International Searching Authority, or the Declaration in International Application PCT/US2006/042251 mailed Feb. 22, 2007.

Notification of Transmittal of International Search Report and Written Opinion of the International Searching Authority, or the Declaration for Application PCT/US2006/042251, mailed on Feb. 22, 2007.